let's go to dan lothian live in washington for us. dan, tell us should americans be hopeful something will be done in 15 days? that's before congress goes on vacation. >> let's remind a little bit. it was a week ago when president obama met with congressional leaders before he went overseas. there was a sense of optimism that they could get something done. now it appear it is two sides are still very far apart. so that's why you see the president pushing this tax extension for middle class americans. the president believing this is not necessarily the answer, the comprehensive answer. it's part of the solution. he's been meeting with small business owners at the white house. with big-time ceos as well. yesterday had middle class americans who expressed how they would be impacted by taxes going up to the tune of $2200 if the middle class tax extension is not done for them. the president believing that upper income americans need to pay more. republicans pushing back on that. none theless the president sounded optimistic. >> a clear maj